The White House tonight called North Korea’s rocket launch “a highly provocative act that threatens regional security, directly violates United Nations Security Council resolutions 1718 and 1874, contravenes North Korea’s international obligations, and undermines the global non-proliferation regime.”
“This action is yet another example of North Korea’s pattern of irresponsible behavior,” National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor said in a late-night statements. “The United States remains vigilant in the face of North Korean provocations and fully committed to the security of our allies in the region. Given this current threat to regional security, the United States will strengthen and increase our close coordination with allies and partners.”
Four days ago, the Korean Central News Agency said Pyongyang was preparing to launch “Kwangmyongsong-3, a scientific and technological satellite.”
“The second version of satellite Kwangmyongsong-3 successfully lifted off from the Sohae Space Center in Cholsan County, North Phyongan Province by carrier rocket Unha-3 on Wednesday,” the regime’s propaganda arm reported tonight. “The satellite entered its preset orbit.”
Vietor said the DPRK was “using ballistic missile technology despite express prohibitions by United Nations Security Council resolutions.”
“In the hours and days ahead, the United States will work with its Six-Party partners, the United Nations Security Council, and other UN member states to pursue appropriate action,” he continued. “The international community must work in a concerted fashion to send North Korea a clear message that its violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions have consequences. The international community continues to insist that North Korea live up to its commitments, adhere to its international obligations, and deal peacefully with its neighbors.”
The launch was Pyongyang’s most successful out of five attempts to test long-range missile technology.
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